Good afternoon, everyone. A big winter storm system is moving into the region and will bring some wicked weather. High winds, heavy rain, thunderstorms, a 30 degree temperature drop, and accumulating snow is on the way. All of that occurs in a matter of hours.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms move in from southwest to northeast this evening into tonight. This will increase the flash flood threat into Wednesday morning. The models are spitting out a general 1″-2.5″ of rain in a short amount of time.

NAM

NAM

GFS

GFS 2

As you know, thunderstorms can put down more than that. Stream and street flooding is a real possibility tonight and early Wednesday.

Temps spike toward the 60s in central and eastern Kentucky by midday Wednesday then CRASH from there. By late evening, most areas are in the low and middle 30s with snow flying. That’s a quick switch to snow from west to east and comes just a few hours after 60 degree temps and thunder.

Wraparound snows continue through Thursday with some flakes flying all the way into Friday. The GFS is consistent in showing the most accumulations during this time…

GFS Snow

While likely overdone, It’s something I can’t totally discount. We will have to fight some melting, but the flow from the northwest is VERY strong during this time.

Speaking of that flow… the winds are going to CRANK. Gusts of 40mph or higher will be possible on occasion through Thursday.

In looking at the longer range pattern, it looks ugly for those of us wanting spring to go ahead and start. Winter weather threats are lurking through the middle of the month. 🙁

I leave you with your tracking toys for the day. Don’t forget to use the interactive radar to track the severe weather breaking out across the southern states. You can even watch live video streams from storm chasers!

I will have the very latest on WKYT-TV starting at 4pm. Another update then comes your way this evening. Take care.